Why, Dad?

Andrew Stolpestad, Paul Wandrey

Andrew, an aspiring dad, and Paul, a dad of two, dig deep to find out what it means to be/become the best dad possible, why it matters, and how to do so.

  1. Paralyzed at 20, Father of Triplets at 54 | Ken Kunken on Fatherhood and Resilience

    19시간 전

    Paralyzed at 20, Father of Triplets at 54 | Ken Kunken on Fatherhood and Resilience

    In this episode, Paul and Andrew sit down with Ken Kunken to talk about how a life-changing football injury at age 20 led him down a completely unexpected path. Ken shares how paralysis reshaped his identity, why he never thought marriage or fatherhood would be possible, and how meeting his wife Anna changed everything. He opens up about becoming a dad to triplets at 54, raising sons with empathy and strong values, and why family, patience, and presence matter far more than physical ability. The conversation also touches on disability, faith, diversity, resilience, and Ken’s book, I Dream of Things That Never Were. Episode Description At 20 years old, Ken Kunken’s life changed forever after a football injury left him almost completely paralyzed. He never thought he would get married. He never thought he would become a father. Then he met his wife, Anna. Years later, through IVF, they became parents to triplet boys. In this episode, Ken shares his unbelievable story of resilience, identity, disability, marriage, faith, and fatherhood. He talks about learning to redefine what it means to be a dad when you cannot do things the way you once imagined, why presence matters more than perfection, and how raising his sons changed his life forever. This is a conversation about overcoming impossible odds, building a meaningful life, and becoming the father your family needs, even when life looks nothing like you expected. In This Episode Paul and Andrew sit down with Ken Kunken to hear the incredible story of how a football injury changed his life forever and how he still built a life full of purpose, family, and fatherhood. Ken talks about paralysis, identity, marriage, IVF, becoming a dad to triplets, and what he learned about being present for his kids despite severe physical limitations. Topics Covered Becoming paralyzed at 20 after a football injury Learning to redefine identity after losing athleticism Meeting the woman who changed everything Becoming a father through IVF Finding out they were having triplets Parenting with physical limitations Why presence matters more than physical ability Raising empathetic and resilient sons Teaching kids patience, diversity, and family values The importance of community and support Ken’s book and the meaning behind its title Memorable Moments Ken finding out all three embryos took and they were having triplets Feeding one of his sons using his lap board and balancing a bottle on his arm His boys checking whether places had ramps so dad could come too His son calmly helping him through a low blood pressure episode in the grocery store Ken explaining why he wanted his sons to know they could do anything they set their minds to The story behind the title of his book, inspired by a quote from Robert F. Kennedy Connect with Ken Website: kenkunken.com Book: I Dream of Things That Never Were Audiobook narrated by Ken

    49분
  2. The Routine Struggle

    3월 31일

    The Routine Struggle

    In this reflective and unscripted episode, Paul and Andrew dive into a personal tension many men face: the balance between structure and presence. What begins as a casual conversation quickly unfolds into a deeper exploration of routines, habits, and the danger of letting them become the end goal rather than a means to something greater. Paul shares his struggle with relying on routine to stay disciplined, only to find that those same systems can pull him away from what matters most—being present as a husband, father, and man. Andrew relates, reflecting on how even well-intentioned habits can unintentionally crowd out meaningful moments with loved ones. Together, they unpack the paradox: routines are necessary for growth and stability, but when overemphasized, they can become rigid, self-serving, and disconnected from one’s deeper purpose. The conversation moves beyond productivity into identity—shifting the focus from “Did I check all the boxes?” to “Did I live in alignment with who I want to be?” Drawing on analogies from coding, combat, parenting, and even dance, they emphasize the need for adaptability. Life isn’t a fixed program—it’s fluid, unpredictable, and requires constant reassessment. Systems provide a foundation, but they must be flexible enough to serve the bigger mission: becoming better men and guiding others—especially children—toward that same pursuit. The episode closes with a powerful reminder: success isn’t perfection or flawless execution of a plan. It’s progress. It’s presence. And it’s the willingness to continually reflect, adjust, and move forward with intention. A thoughtful and honest conversation for any man striving to lead his life—and his family—with purpose.

    46분
  3. What Happens When Men Stop Doing Life Alone with Jason Lange

    3월 10일

    What Happens When Men Stop Doing Life Alone with Jason Lange

    This episode explores the transformative power of men's groups, emphasizing support, accountability, and emotional connection for men and fathers. Jason Lange shares insights on how community impacts personal growth, parenting, and identity shifts, offering practical advice for men seeking deeper connection and self-awareness. Key Topics The importance of men's groups for support and accountability How community influences men's personal growth and parenting The role of vulnerability and emotional expression in masculinity Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Men's Work 01:10 The Importance of Men's Groups 02:40 Support and Accountability in Men's Groups 07:34 Self-Care for Fathers 09:31 Identity Crisis in Fatherhood 10:30 Navigating Life's Transitions 12:24 The Role of Community in Parenting 15:51 Diverse Role Models for Children 19:08 Normalizing Help and Growth 21:37 Integrating Family and Men's Groups 25:53 Virtual vs. In-Person Groups 29:14 Addressing Skepticism About Men's Groups 33:19 The Importance of Genuine Connection 35:16 Men's Groups: A Space for Vulnerability and Growth 39:33 Parenting and Emotional Regulation 43:06 The Role of Men's Groups in Personal Well-being 48:43 Finding the Right Men's Group 56:37 Conclusion and Resources for Men's Groups Resources Evolutionary Men Podcast - https://evolutionary.men How to Start a Men's Group - https://evolutionary.men/start-a-group Instagram - https://instagram.com/evolutionary.men

    58분
  4. Should Men Be Dangerous?

    3월 3일

    Should Men Be Dangerous?

    Paul Wandrey and Andrew Stolpestad unpack the popular idea that “men should be dangerous” through the lens of Wild at Heart. They explore what the phrase gets right, what it risks communicating, and where a better target might be “capable and intentional.” The conversation threads through human nature, adventure, protection, taking calculated risks, and the crucial difference between dangerous and reckless. They land on a practical challenge: define what you stand for, then take small daily steps that build strength, clarity, and character. In this episode • The “be dangerous” idea: truth underneath it, and how it gets misread • Dangerous vs reckless, and why the distinction matters • Why “powerful” may communicate the goal better, but also has limits • Adventure, risk, and responsibility as part of mature masculinity • Why knowing what you stand for comes before “being dangerous” • Small daily challenges that build a man who can lead and protect Practical takeaways • Pick one small challenge today (fitness, food, focus, or courage) • Reduce “easy dopamine” that keeps you timid (scrolling, binging, avoidance) • Define what you are protecting and building (values, mission, family culture) • Build capacity on purpose so you can use it wisely Resources referenced • Wild at Heart by John Eldredge • Jordan Peterson (mentioned in context of modern “be dangerous” framing) • Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg • Crucial Conversations (book referenced) • Socratic method (referenced) • Fathers With Daughters and Russ Kimura (mentioned) • Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (mentioned) • Oregon Coast Trail (mentioned)

    44분

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4.4
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소개

Andrew, an aspiring dad, and Paul, a dad of two, dig deep to find out what it means to be/become the best dad possible, why it matters, and how to do so.